Paulists (or Paulites)
Paulists (Or Paulites)
also called hermits of St. Paul, are a class of Roman Catholic monastics who profess to imitate the life of the great apostle. They have no written rules, and are not strictly a particular order. They have no superior except the bishop in whose diocese they reside. They usually wear a short cloak, with cowl attached, and go barefooted. They are to be met with in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and many other countries. There is also a congregation of Paulists sometimes called Barnabites (q.v.). In Hungary a congregation of Paulists was formed in the 13th century, but was made subject to the rules of the Augustinians (q.v.), and ranked with them. During the Reformation movement they became extinct in Hungary; but at Rome the Paulists still maintain a religious house. Their dress is white. They wear a woollen shirt, and hood attached to the collar, which covers the shoulders. When they go to town they wear a black hat, and a mantle of the same color. In Portugal an order of Paulists was founded in 1652, and their principal monastery is on Mount Ose. They are also subject to the Augustinian rule.
In the United States the "Congregation of the Missionary Priests of St. Paul the Apostle," commonly called "Paulists," was established in New York City, ill 1858, by Rev. Isaac T. Hecker and several other priests, whom the pope allowed to leave the Redemptorists for the purpose of founding an independent organization for missionary purposes better suited to this country. This congregation reports a house and church in New York, a superior, six other priests, and twelve students preparing for the priesthood. The Paulists are the originators of the Catholic Publication Society, of its monthly periodical, The Catholic World, etc., and occupy a very influential position.
